The Record Live

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Dickie Colburn

Joe Kazmar

Chuck Uzzle

Sabine Lake Fishing

Sports And More

Fishing and Outdoors

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Mustangs An Ending Too Soon See Section B

Where The Sun Rises On Texas And The Stars Shine First

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County Record The Community Newspaper of Orange, Texas

Vol. 52 No. 38

Week of Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Mary Behnke receives Athena Award Debby Schamber For The Record

During an annual Orange Chamber of Commerce banquet Monday evening, Mary Behnke was the recipient of

Body of OC woman found by fishermen Debby Schamber For The Record

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utopsy results are pending for a Vidor woman who was found by a fisherman in the waters of Pleasure Island. The body of Amber Nicole Guillory, 26, was found approximately Guillory 11:30 a.m. on Friday about three feet from the bank off of North Levee Road. According to Port Arthur Police Chief, Raymond Clark, they are still waiting on the toxicology reports. The cause of her death has not been determined. Guillory was found wearing pajamas, a hoodie and jewelry. “There is no significant trauma to her body,” Clark said. “We believe she had been in the water no more than 24 hours.” Police are asking anyone with information on this case or the events leading up to when Guillory was found is asked to the Port Arthur Police Department at 409-983-8600.

H • SHERLOCK BREAUX Page..................... 4A • Obituaries Page......................8A •Dicky Colburn Fishing..................1B •Outdoors Weekly Chuck Uzzle..........4B • CHURCH NEWS Page......................9A • CLASSIFIED ADS Page......................8B

the Athena Award. “I was completely surprised when they said my name,” Behnke said. “I have seen the list of names and I am honored to be on the list too.” Behnke is originally from Ohio, but has lived in Orange since 1969. After moving to Orange, as a school teacher she pursued a doctorate deBehnke gree from the University of Houston. She then taught Educational Psychology at Lamar University. The retired teacher is a twoterm West Orange-Stark school board member and has served in various capacities within the school system while raising her two children. She was also an active volunteer with the PTA and other various school activities. As a mother of a special needs child she continued to work with OCARC and participated in the group home formation for special needs citizens. Behnke is an active member of the First United Methodist Church and has dedicated herself to serve on many committees including becoming a trustee on the board. In addition, she is a past United Way board member and has served on the Lutcher Theater Service Guild nearly since it began. Her list of accomplishments continues since she was instrumental in starting the Habitat for Humanity in Orange. Since then she has continued to work and volunteer for the organization. She is BEHNKE PAGE 3A

OC supers prepare for forum Staff Report

For The Record

Orange County school district superintendents have released details concerning an upcoming Legislative Forum, which will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 13, in the Orange City Council Room at the Orange Public Library, 200 Fifth Street in downtown Orange. All residents are encouraged to attend, whether they have school-age children, or not. The topics that will be discussed affect all tax payers, no matter which school district receives their financial support. According to Dr. Pauline Hargrove, Little CypressMauriceville Superintendent, “Education is always at the top of the priority list when ORANGE COUNTY PAGE 2A

Dr. Howard C. Williams accepts proclaimation from the Orange County Commissioners Court proclaiming December 10th in his name. RECORD PHOTO: Penny Leleux

Dr. Howard Williams Day proclaimed Debby Schamber For The Record

“I will continue doing Orange County history until the day I am history,” said Dr. Howard C. Williams when he was honored by the Orange County Commissioners Court declaring Monday “Dr. Howard C. Williams Day.” Williams was honored for serving over 20 years as chairman of the Orange County Historical Commission. He is stepping down and retiring from his position. Commissioners named

Williams as chairman emeritus. Commissioners also reappointed members of the historical commission and added two new members: Bo Henley of Orangefield and Angela Johnson, who is currently an employee of the veterans’ service office as a case worker. The proclamation, read by County Commissioner Precinct 1 David Dubose, stated Williams came to Orange as a World War II veteran to practice medicine. We developed a passion for local history in the mid-1960s. “He put

all of his energy into both pursuits to the benefit of Orange County for over 50 years,” said Dubose. Williams has been the guiding force of the Orange County Historical Commission, whose research and documentation has led to the award of over 40 state historical markers in Orange County. Williams has written articles for “Las Sabinas,” the Orange County Historical Commission’s publication. Ae DR. HOWARD WILLIAMS DAY PAGE 3A

Small things make Christmas merry Debby Schamber For The Record

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together,” said Vincent Van Gogh, and for an Orange couple who has more than 250 pieces in their Christmas Village collection, this is truly a “great thing.” In preparation for the Christmas season, Pat and Earl Geis began bringing boxes down from the attic around Halloween with a goal to be completely set up by Thanksgiving. But, before any of the pieces were placed, Earl made the frame. Under the frame is the piano or a couch and a nearby fireplace. “Why move it? Just cover it up, “ Pat said. Each building or carnival ride is all wired together in sections and can be turned on by remote control. One by one they bring the boxes downstairs and strategically place the pieces where they belong. Over the years their collections have grown to include pieces from the Thomas Kincaid Collection, Coca-Cola, Department 56 North Pole Collection, Hommel and various pieces from what they call the “mall houses.” Each set of houses has intricate details and through some of the windows families are seen enjoying the holidays. Pat also carefully decorates

each shelf with “trees” and “snow.” Earl checks each piece to make sure the lights and motors are in good working condition for the many visitors they will have through their home. Sometimes their friends

bring their friends too. “We enjoy it and sharing it with people,” Pat said. Pat’s favorite piece is in the Kincaid Collection of a blue Victorian style house. The tiny glass windows with the warm glow and the wrap around

porch are very inviting and gives a person a feeling of a happy place to be. They also have a collection Earl refers to as the “Lion’s Club Carnival.” When it is SMALL THINGS PAGE 3A

Earl and Pat Geis have a large collection of Christmas decorations which include small houses, buildRECORD PHOTO: Debby Schamber ings and a carnival.

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